Loretto’s Long March To Ban Nuclear Weapons

The Loretto Community’s first call to ban all nuclear weapons dates back to the 1960s. For several decades since and counting, the Loretto Community has continued to work to seek for the abolishment of nuclear weapons worldwide. We have prayed and protested at sites where weapons are manufactured or stored, attended numerous hearings and shareholder meetings, hosted anti-war peace activists, taken part in fasts — all in pursuit of the dream of a nuclear-free world.

This week in our Facebook posts, we will highlight some of the Community’s efforts from past years to present, many of which are featured in Loretto Magazine’s winter issue cover story on Loretto’s tireless work to abolish nuclear weapons. 

Most recently, Loretto joined with all those across the globe who oppose nuclear weapons in celebrating this past Jan. 22 when the U.N. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons officially took effect. Among those praising the occasion was Loretto President Barbara Nicholas. She wrote to the Community that day to acknowledge the many in Loretto who have worked long and hard to abolish nuclear weapons. She also noted on that day that, on behalf of Loretto, she had signed the Joint Interfaith Statement welcoming the treaty into effect. Barbara asked all to “join in prayers of gratitude that the day has come when nations may no longer lawfully possess nuclear weapons, and let’s redouble our work to rid the United States of its nuclear arsenal.”

The Loretto Constitutions reminds us, “Our long and vital tradition of teaching takes many forms; we desire to educate others as well as ourselves to truth, beauty and the ways of peace, in the spirit of Jesus.”

Yes, the work continues, with great hope. Much of our efforts fall under the direction of the Loretto Peace Committee. Current committee members are Karel Disponett CoL (chairwoman), Mary Jean Friel CoL, Pat Geier CoL, Mary Ann McGivern SL, Paulette Peterson CoL and Byron Plumley CoL. We thank them for their continuing guidance and support as we continue to pursue the vision of a nuclear-free world.